The testing, inspection and certification firm at the centre of the north-east Brazilian Covid scare has spoken out about the unfolding health crisis.
At the start of last month, three Bureau Veritas employees tested positive for the new strain after flying into Aberdeen, with two later requiring hospital treatment.
They had travelled from Brazil – via London and Paris – where the variant, which is believed to be much more contagious, was first detected in January.
Yesterday the firm faced accusations it had put money before workers’ health, as a whistleblower told The P&J it should have employed local contractors instead.
But Bureau Veritas defended itself, saying the work was “critical” and required the trio of experts to be flown out.
The issue was also raised at Holyrood as Jeane Freeman explained the latest steps being taken to prevent any spread of the virus.
She also confirmed a school, believed to be in the city, has a “connection” to the cases.
Bureau Veritas: ‘Party followed all guidelines’
Paul Shrieve, the president of Bureau Veritas Solutions for marine and offshore, said the three employees tested positive for the Brazilian Covid variant on February 5.
The group had been working in Brazil between December 23 and January 29, and are now Covid-free.
Mr Shrieve said: “The employees – all highly-qualified experts in marine and naval technology – were required to carry out critical work on an offshore facility to ensure it could continue to operate safely.
“As a global leader in health and safety that has been working with organisations throughout the pandemic to implement Covid-secure measures, we lead by example in protecting our own employees.
“We have rigorous procedures in place that go above and beyond the recommended government guidelines.”
He added: “In this case, at every stage of the journey, the party acted in accordance with national and international guidelines, as well as Bureau Veritas company guidelines, and completed mandatory isolation and testing prior to boarding the plane.
“The most important thing is the health of our employees.
“All three employees are now Covid-free and we are very pleased they are recovering and back with their families.”
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